Black Phoenix 0 Posted May 23, 2016 I am interested in joining the military and become a military nurse. I am currently a nursing student. I want to do the gastric sleeve for reasons other then joining the military. As a nursing student I will probably look at military around 2018. By that time I should have my license and BSN. I am leaning more towards the Air Force but is it possible for one to waive it and direct commission into the Nurse Corps. Anybody gone through this experience or know anyone who has been through this. I would appreciate you sharing this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OutsideMatchInside 10,166 Posted May 23, 2016 @@Black Phoenix Unless something has changed, having WLS disqualifies you from military service. I would double check with a recruiter to make sure. You need a normal GI tract to qualify physically for service. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kindle 8,667 Posted May 23, 2016 My sister, brother in law and two nephews have been in the Air Force. I ask my nephew who is still active and in charge of public relations in Denver.... " History of any gastrointestinal procedure for the control of obesity is disqualifying. Artificial openings, including, but not limited to ostomy (V44), are disqualifying. " I also found a blog online from someone that tried to enlist in 2014 and went though the entire process but was told that weight loss surgery is an "unwaiverable medical procedure". Things may have changed, but only a recruiter would know for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
karen091866 120 Posted May 24, 2016 I've been a nurse for 25 years...military nursing won't happen after WLS .... The tremendous risk of dehydration with heat exposure...and the inability to chug fluids to rehydrate...not to mention, the constant need to be sipping fluids...basic training alone would be impossible. Sent from my SM-T350 using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Black Phoenix 0 Posted May 30, 2016 I have heard that people were able to get around it as long as they were under recommendation by their doctors that one is healthy for military service.Mainly in the Air Force,since I am going for military nursing, figure they would be more lenient cause you are not in bootcamp like an enlisted and most people in direct commission are older. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kindle 8,667 Posted May 30, 2016 I guess the best thing is to talk directly to a recruiter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey Skinner Abbott 97 Posted May 30, 2016 You still have a officers "boot camp". I would double check with the recruiter but don't think they will allow it. It might depend on the service you choose but the Air Force wouldn't allow it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites